Breast cup

ABSTRACT

A breast cup for use with a breast pump for expressing breast milk is provided. The breast cup sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk, provides a barrier against impingement of the flexible insert by the user&#39;s breast and provides a massaging member for facilitating expression of the breast milk.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority in, copending U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/343,769, filed Dec. 27, 2001,copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/403,415, filed Aug.14, 2002 and copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/428,463,filed Nov. 22, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for obtainingbreast milk. More particularly, the present invention relates to abreast cup for expressing breast milk.

2. Description of the Related Art

Breast pump systems using breast cups for obtaining breast milk, bothmanually and automatically, are known in the art. Conventional breastcups use a vacuum source to generate a negative pressure or vacuum thatis transmitted to a breast hood or cup, which is placed on the breast.Typically, such breast cups are disposed remote from the breast pumpwhen in use and the negative pressure or vacuum is transmitted to thebreast hood or cup via tubing or conduit.

The conventional devices suffer from the drawback of requiring thevacuum source and the breast milk to be in fluid communication, whichcan result in breast milk entering the tubing and even worse, enteringthe breast pump. This results in unwanted clean up, as well as potentialdamage to the system. Additionally, conventional breast cups suffer fromthe drawback of failing to apply an adequate massaging action upon thebreast to facilitate expression of milk. Such devices often provide abreast hood or cup that impinges upon the nipple resulting in discomfortto the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a breast cup inwhich the vacuum source and breast are in fluid isolation therebypreventing or ameliorating the possibility of contamination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a breastcup that applies both a positive pressure and a negative pressure to abreast to express breast milk.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such abreast cup that improves the massage on the areola region of the breast.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention areprovided by a breast cup having a housing, a flexible insert sealinglysecured to the housing to form an air volume and a liquid volume, and anair orifice in fluid communication with the air volume and in fluidisolation with the liquid volume. The air volume and the liquid volumeare in fluid isolation and the air volume expands or contracts inresponse to the positive or negative pressures.

The present invention also includes a breast cup having a housing withan air orifice, a flexible insert sealingly secured to the housing toform an air volume and a liquid volume, a holder having a one-way valveand secured to the housing, and a container secured to the holder. Theair orifice is in fluid communication with the air volume and in fluidisolation with the liquid volume. The air volume and the liquid volumeare in fluid isolation. The air volume expands or contracts in responseto the positive or negative pressures to cause a positive or negativepressure in the liquid volume, and the liquid volume is in fluidcommunication with the container through the one way-valve to permitflow into the container.

The present invention further includes a breast cup having a housingwith an air orifice, a flexible insert sealingly secured to the housingto form an air volume and a liquid volume, a holder having a one-wayvalve with the holder being secured to the housing, and a containersecured to the holder. The air orifice is in fluid communication withthe air volume and in fluid isolation with the liquid volume, and theair volume and the liquid volume are in fluid isolation. The pressure isapplied to the air volume causing the flexible insert to move withrespect to the housing, and the liquid volume is in fluid communicationwith the container. The flexible insert can have a bladder and the airvolume can be disposed at least partially in the bladder, and thebladder moves in response to the pressure.

The present invention additionally includes a breast hood having a rigidstructure, a flexible structure sealingly secured to the rigidstructure, a displacement volume disposed between the rigid structureand the flexible structure, a liquid volume defined by the rigidstructure, the flexible structure or both with the liquid volume beingin fluid isolation from the pressure source, and a channel in fluidcommunication with the pressure source and the displacement volume. Thepressure source changes the pressure in the displacement volume.

The flexible structure can have a bladder and the displacement volumecan be disposed at least partially in the bladder, wherein the bladdermoves in response to a change in pressure in the displacement volume.The flexible structure can also have a second portion having acircumferential wall and a plurality of spacers formed in thecircumferential wall with the circumferential wall being separated fromthe rigid structure by the plurality of spacers. The circumferentialwall and the plurality of spacers at least partially define thedisplacement volume, and the circumferential wall is moved in relationto the rigid structure by the change in pressure in the displacementvolume.

The flexible insert can comprise a bladder with the air volume beingdisposed at least partially in the bladder, and the bladder expanding orcontracting in response to the positive or negative pressures. Thebreast cup can also have a barrier member disposed substantiallyadjacent to the bladder with the barrier member preventing the breastfrom contacting the bladder. The barrier member can have a cylindricalshape and is disposed in the liquid volume.

The flexible insert can have a funnel shape with a first portion that atleast partially defines the air volume and a massaging projection formedon the first portion. The massaging projection can be disposed along thefirst portion to be in proximity to the areola region of the breast. Themassaging projection can have a star-like shape. The flexible insert canhave a second portion with a circumferential wall and a plurality ofspacers formed in the circumferential wall. The circumferential wallpreferably being separated from the housing by the plurality of spacers,and the circumferential wall and the plurality of spacers at leastpartially defining the air volume. The circumferential wall is moved inproximity to the housing by the negative pressure and thecircumferential wall is moved remote from the housing by the positivepressure. The plurality of spacers can be a plurality of pleats formedin the circumferential wall.

The housing can have a first end and a second end and the insert canhave a third end and a fourth end. The first end can be removablysecured to the second end by a first securing structure, and the thirdend can be removably secured to the fourth end by a second securingstructure. The first securing structure and the second securingstructure can be tongue and groove securing structures. The air volumecan have a maximum capacity for expansion and the maximum capacity forexpansion can be an upper limit for the positive pressure.

The housing, the insert and the holder can be securable to each other atany rotational orientation. The holder can be secured to the housing bya snap fit connection. The container can be a first container having afirst diameter and a second container having a second diameter. Theholder can have a first securing structure and a second securingstructure with the first securing structure being removably securable tothe first container and the second securing structure being removablysecurable to the second container. The first securing structure can be afirst threaded surface having a first inner diameter and the secondsecuring structure can be a second threaded surface having a secondinner diameter. The first threaded surface and the second threaded canbe concentrically disposed on the holder.

The holder can have a channel that is in fluid communication with theliquid volume and the container, and the one-way valve can be operablyconnected to the channel. The breast cup can further have an indicatorthat indicates an area for disengagement of the holder from the housing.The indicator can be formed on the holder. The indicator can be anarcuate projection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be understood by reference to the following:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a breast cup of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the breast cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the breast cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the breast cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the breast cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the breast cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the breast cup of FIG. 1 takenalong line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the housing and holder of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the breast cup of FIG. 1 with a bottleattached;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thebreast cup of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the breast cup of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe breast cup of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe breast cup of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe breast cup of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe breast cup of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional perspective view of the breast cup ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe breast cup of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a front cross-sectional perspective view of the breast cup ofFIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1 and 2, there isshown a preferred embodiment of a breast cup of the present inventiongenerally represented by reference numeral 400. Breast cup 400 has ahousing 500, a flexible insert 600, a holder 700 and a valve 800.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, housing 500 is a rigid structure formedby a circumferential wall 505 defining a housing volume 510.Circumferential wall 505 has a funnel shape with a generallyhour-glass-shaped cross-section. Housing 500 has an outer section 520, amiddle section 550 and an inner section 580. In this embodiment, outersection 520 generally has a diameter that is larger than the diametersof middle section 550 or inner section 580. Circumferential wall 505 ofouter section 520 has a radius of curvature that is smaller than theradius of curvature of the circumferential wall at middle section 550 orinner section 580. Alternative shapes can also be used for breast cup400. However, the shape of this embodiment provides for a wide orenlarged outer section 520 that facilitates engagement of breast cup 400with a user's breast.

Outer section 520 has an outer end 525 that is adapted for engagementwith insert 600. Outer end 525 preferably has a generally uniformcross-section and uses a tongue and groove connection to engage withinsert 600. This type of engagement between outer end 525 and insert 600allows a user to engage the outer end with the insert at any orientationor alignment to facilitate assembly. However, alternative securingstructures can also be used, such as, for example, a projection ornumber of projections formed on outer end 525 that engage withcorresponding grooves or orifices formed in insert 600.

Middle section 550 has an air orifice 560 formed through circumferentialwall 505. Preferably, air orifice 560 is a projection extendingoutwardly from circumferential wall 505 and has a central opening 565formed therethrough. Central opening 565 provides for fluidcommunication through air orifice 560 into inner volume 510. Preferably,air orifice 560 has a cylindrical shape and is substantiallyperpendicular to circumferential wall 505. More preferably, air orifice560 has a height and diameter that allows for a friction fit with airtubing or conduit. Air orifice 560 can also have a securing structureattached thereto (not shown), such as, for example, a retaining ring orhave a shape, such as, for example, inwardly tapered, to facilitatesecuring of air tubing or conduit with the air orifice.

Referring in particular to FIG. 7, inner section 580 has a retainingring 585 and an inner end 590. Retaining ring 585 is a circumferentialridge or ring extending outwardly from circumferential wall 505 and isadapted for engagement with holder 700. The use of a continuouscircumferential ridge for retaining ring 585 allows a user to engageinner section 580 with holder 700 at any orientation or alignment tofacilitate assembly. Alternative securing structures can also be usedfor retaining ring 585 such as, for example, a number of tongues formedalong inner section 580 that engage with a corresponding number ofgrooves formed on holder 700.

Inner end 590 of inner section 580 is adapted for engagement with insert600. Inner end 590 preferably has a generally uniform cross-section anduses a tongue and groove connection to engage with insert 600. This typeof engagement between inner end 590 and insert 600 allows a user toengage the inner end with the insert at any orientation or alignment tofacilitate assembly. However, alternative securing structures can alsobe used, such as, for example, a projection or number of projectionsformed on inner end 590 that engage with corresponding grooves ororifices formed in insert 600.

Insert 600 has a size and shape that generally corresponds to the sizeand shape of housing 500 to allow for assembly of the insert to thehousing with sealing engagement of outer end 525 and inner end 590 ofthe housing with the insert. Insert 600 has an outer portion 620 and aninner portion 650. Outer portion 620 has a substantially conical shapewith a first side wall 622 defining an outer volume 625. Outer portion620 further has a first end 630 having an inner surface 631, and asecond end 635. First side wall 622 converges or tapers towards innerportion 650.

Inner portion 650 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a secondside wall 652 defining an inner volume 655. Inner portion 650 has athird end 660 and a fourth end 665. Preferably, outer portion 620 isintegrally formed with inner portion 650 so that second end 635 of theouter portion is disposed within inner volume 655 and a circumferentialgap or space 670 is provided between the second end of the outer portionand third end 660 of the inner portion.

First end 630 of outer portion 620 has an outer fastener 632 and amassaging member 634. In this embodiment, outer fastener 632 is a groovein first end 630 with a size and shape that corresponds to outer end 525of housing 500 for a tongue and groove connection between the housingand insert 600. Preferably, first end 630 of insert 600 is curled overto form the groove for the tongue and groove connection. This connectionprovides for sealing engagement between housing 500 and insert 600 atfirst end 630 of the insert and further allows for connection of thehousing and insert at any orientation or alignment.

Massaging member 634 is a projection or other change in the shape ofinsert 600 in the area of outer portion 620, which makes contact with oris in proximity to the user's areola region. Massaging member 634provides the user with a massaging action on the areola region, whichfacilitates expression of breast milk. In this embodiment, massagingmember 634 is a continuous ridge having a star-like or wave-like shape.Preferably, massaging member 634 is integrally formed with insert 600along inner surface 631 of first end 630.

Alternative shapes and sizes of massaging member 634 can also be used.Additionally, massaging member 634 can be a number of ridges, eithercontinuous or portioned, and can also be concentrically or eccentricallyaligned. The positioning of massaging member 634 along inner surface 631depends on the size and shape of the massaging member that is used.Massaging member 630 preferably is disposed along inner surface 631 sothat the massaging member traverses the areola region of the user'sbreast when breast cup 400 is in use. In the preferred embodiment, thestar-like or wave-like shape of massaging member 634 provides morecontact area between the massaging member and areola region as opposedto a circular shape.

Inner portion 650 has a plurality of spacers 675 formed in second sidewall 652. Preferably there are four spacers 675. Spacers 675 have anupper end 680 disposed adjacent to or in proximity with circumferentialwall 505 of inner section 580 of housing 500. Spacers 675 and secondside wall 652 form a number of bladders 685 having bladder volumes 687.Preferably, there are four bladders 685. Spacers 675 are preferablyperpendicular to circumferential wall 505 of housing 500 and arebarriers between the housing and insert 600 to provide additionalstructural integrity to inner portion 650 so that bladder volumes 687 donot fully collapse upon the housing. In one preferred embodiment, theplurality of spacers 675 is a plurality of folds or pleats formed in thecircumferential wall 505 of housing 500.

As a result of the use of bladders 685, it has been found that a lowerlevel of suction is required for expressing breast milk. This is animprovement over conventional breast cups that do not have bladdersbecause in such a breast cup some of the suction force is used instretching the flexible insert material. An additional advantage of theuse of the bladder design is that bladders 685 prevent softer breastsfrom being sucked a substantial distance through outer and inner volumes625, 655 which could impinge the pressurization of breast cup 400.Bladders 685 provide a barrier for softer breasts against impingement.While this embodiment uses folds or pleats 675 in second side wall 652as a barrier between the second side wall and housing 500, alternativebarriers can also be used, such as, for example, projections or solidwalls extending from the second side wall to the housing.

Fourth end 665 of inner portion 650 has an inner fastener 667 and asealing ring 669. In this embodiment, inner fastener 667 is a groove infourth end 665 with a size and shape that corresponds to inner end 590of housing 500 for a tongue and groove connection between the housingand insert 600. Preferably, fourth end 665 has a U-shape to form thegroove for the tongue and groove connection. This connection providesfor sealing engagement between housing 500 and insert 600 at fourth end665 of the insert and further allows for connection of the housing andinsert at any orientation or alignment. Sealing ring 669 is acircumferential ring or ridge preferably integrally formed with insert600 that abuts against holder 700 when the insert and holder areassembled.

Insert 600 is made of a flexible material that is safe for contact withthe breast milk. Such a flexible material is silicone. However,alternative flexible materials may also be used for flexible insert 600.When insert 600 is assembled to housing 500, the insert sealinglyengages with the housing along outer end 525 and inner end 585 of thehousing such that bladder volume 687 and that portion of housing volume510 disposed between the insert and the housing, are in fluidcommunication with air orifice 560.

A breast pump (not shown) can be placed in fluid communication withbreast cup 400 via air tubing or conduit that is connected to airorifice 560. An example of such a breast pump, as well as the componentsof such a system, is disclosed in the co-pending and commonly owned U.S.Application entitled “Breast Pump System” which has been filed evenlyherewith, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. The breast pump can supply both a positive and negativepressure to breast cup 400. While this embodiment of breast cup 400 canapply both a positive pressure and a negative pressure to a user'sbreast, alternatively, only a negative pressure or only a positivepressure may also be applied to the user's breast with use of the breastcup.

The positive and negative pressure created by the breast pump causes airto flow through air orifice 560 into and out of bladder volume 687 andhousing volume 510. The positive and negative pressure supplied tobreast cup 400 causes flexible insert 600 and, in particular, outerportion 620 and outer volume 625 to expand and contract to applyreciprocating positive and negative forces on the user's breast. Theinflation and deflation of bladder volume 687 and housing volume 510does not effect the longitudinal positioning of insert 600 in housing500. The resulting movement of outer portion 620 of insert 600 causesmassaging member 634 to apply a massaging force to the areola region ofa user's breast.

Breast cup 400 is able to apply both a positive and negative pressure toa user's breast through a single air tubing which is connected to airorifice 560. Additionally, either an automatic or a manual breast pumpcan be connected to breast cup 400 via the air tubing to supply apositive pressure, a negative pressure or both.

The volume disposed between insert 600 and housing 500 that is in fluidcommunication with the breast pump, i.e., bladder volume 687 and thatportion of housing volume 510 disposed between the insert and housing,is preferably between 22 to 52 cubic centimeters, and more preferablybetween 32 to 42 cubic centimeters. The expandable and contractiblevolume disposed between insert 600 and housing 500 also provides anupper limit to the amount of negative pressure that can be applied to auser's breast which can further serve as a safety limit for use of thebreast pump. The sealing engagement of insert 600 and housing 500provides a barrier between the user's breast and the vacuum source toprevent any breast milk from entering the air tubing or breast pump.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, STET holder 700 has a back plate 720, asupport rod 750 and a base 780. Back plate 720 has a circular shape withan inner surface 725, an outer surface 730 and a flange 740. Preferably,outer surface 730 is concave to facilitate gripping and holding ofbreast cup 400.

Inner surface 725 of back plate 720 has a barrier member 735 extendingtherefrom. Barrier member 735 has a distal end 737. Preferably, barriermember 735 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is perpendicular toback plate 720. When housing 500 and insert 600 are assembled to holder700, distal end 737 of barrier member 735 is disposed in circumferentialspace 670 between outer portion 620 and inner portion 650 of the insert.Barrier member 735 is thus disposed substantially adjacent to bladders685 and in inner volume 655 of insert 600. Barrier member 735 is a rigidbarrier between inner volume 655 and bladders 685 to prevent the breastfrom making contact with and impinging the bladders, which would reducethe amount of their inflation and deflation and thus reduce thereciprocating pressure applied to the breast. Barrier member 735especially provides a rigid barrier for softer breasts against suchimpingement, which are more likely to extend beyond outer volume 625 ofinsert 600 into inner volume 655. In one preferred embodiment, barriermember 735 is tubular.

Flange 740 is a circular wall that surrounds inner surface 725 andextends towards housing 500. Flange 740 has a diameter larger than thediameter of inner end 590 of housing 500 so that the inner end can bedisposed within the flange and substantially abut against inner surface725. Flange 740 has a number of securing tabs 745 formed therein.Securing tabs 745 are adapted for a snap fit engagement with retainingring 585 of housing 500. Preferably, securing tabs 745 have detents 747disposed on the distal end of the securing tab to facilitate the snapfit engagement. There are preferably three securing tabs 745. The use ofa snap fit engagement between securing tabs 745 and continuous retainingring 585, allows a user to assemble housing 500 to holder 700 in anyorientation or alignment.

Support rod 750 connects back plate 720 to base 780. Preferably, supportrod 750 is secured to back plate 720 so that the back plate is angledslightly from the vertical, i.e., back plate 720 leans backwards.Leaning back plate 720 backwards facilitates holding of breast cup 400and applying the breast cup to the user's breast. Support rod 750 has asupply channel 760 formed therein. Supply channel 760 has an upper end765 and a lower end 770. Upper end 765 is connected to back plate 720and is in fluid communication with barrier member 735. Lower end 770 isconnected to base 780 and is in fluid communication with the base.

Base 780 has a concave disk-like shape with an inner securing member 785and an outer securing member 790. Inner securing member 785 is a firstset of threads and outer securing member 790 is a second set of threads.The dual thread arrangement of securing members 785, 790 allows a userto attach base 780 to either standard reusable bottles or disposableliner holders (hereinafter “containers”) which have differing diameters.

Valve 800 is a one-way valve that is sealingly engaged to lower end 770of supply channel 760. One-way valve 800 allows the breast milk to flowinto a container 900 that is secured to securing member 790 of base 780or to allow the breast milk to flow into a second container 901 (shownin phantom) that is secured to securing member 785 of base 780, butprevents the negative pressure from sucking the milk out of the bottle.Preferably, valve 800 is a duck-bill valve. However, alternative one-wayvalves can also be used.

In operation, the expansion and contraction of insert 600 as describedabove, causes breast milk to be expressed from the user's breast. Thebreast milk flows through inner volume 655 of inner portion 650 ofinsert 600 and through barrier member 735 of holder 700. The breast milkthen flows through supply channel 760 and into a bottle or a disposableliner with holder, which has been secured to base 780 of holder 800.

One of the advantages of breast cup 400 is the simplicity of assemblyand cleaning. Breast cup 400 has only four components, i.e., housing500, insert 600, holder 700 and valve 800. These components can bereadily snap fitted together. Also, these components can be secured toeach other under any orientation or alignment. Thus, a user does nothave to spend time obtaining the correct alignment of the componentsprior to assembly. Further, the breast milk and air flow are sealinglyseparated by insert 600. Thus, breast milk cannot enter the air tubingand cannot enter the breast pump. This facilitates cleaning of thebreast pump system.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternative embodiment of the breastcup of the present invention is shown and generally represented byreference numeral 1400, with features that are similar to the featuresof breast cup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals.Breast cup 1400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 600 and a holder1700. Holder 1700 has features similar to holder 700 of the preferredembodiment but further includes a disassembly indicator 1750.Preferably, indicator 1750 is disposed along the top of holder 1700.More preferably, indicator 1750 is centrally disposed along the top ofholder 1700 along flange 1740.

Indicator 1750 directs a user to those areas of housing 500 and holder1700 that can be pivotally or rotationally moved for disassembly ordisengagement of the housing and holder. Preferably, indicator 1750directs a user to those areas of housing 500 and holder 1700, which canbe more readily or easily disassembled or pulled apart. In thisembodiment, indicator 1750 is a substantially flat, arcuate projectionwith a height and width that allows a user to place his or her finger onthe indicator and pull or pivot housing 500 from engagement with holder1700. The height of indicator 1750 provides leverage for pivotal orrotational movement of housing 500 relative to holder 1700 to facilitatedisassembly or disengagement of these two parts.

Alternatively, indicator 1750 can have different shapes and sizes. Suchshapes are preferably ergonomically designed to facilitate separation ofhousing 500 and holder 1700. Also, indicator 1750 can include other waysto direct a user to those areas of housing 500 and holder 1700 that canbe disassembled or pulled apart, such as an arrow engraved in, or moldedalong, the top of the holder. Further, indicator 1750 can also bedisposed in other areas of breast cup 1400, such as along the sides, andcan be disposed on housing 500 rather than holder 1700.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the breast cup of thepresent invention is shown and generally represented by referencenumeral 2400, with features that are similar to the features of breastcup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals. Breast cup2400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 2600 and a holder 700.Flexible insert 2600 has features similar to insert 600 of the preferredembodiment except that an alternative massaging member 2634 is used.Massaging member 2634 is a pair of projections formed along innersurface 2631 of first end 2630 of insert 2600. Preferably, the pair ofprojections that form massaging member 2634 are disposed on opposingsides of first end 2630.

Referring to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the breast cup of thepresent invention is shown and generally represented by referencenumeral 3400, with features that are similar to the features of breastcup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals. Breast cup3400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 3600 and a holder 700.Flexible insert 3600 has features similar to insert 600 of the preferredembodiment except that an alternative massaging member 3634 is used.Massaging member 3634 is three projections formed along first end 3630and second end 3635 of insert 3600. Preferably, the three projectionsthat form massaging member 3634 are equally spaced apart.

Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative embodiment of the breast cup of thepresent invention is shown and generally represented by referencenumeral 4400, with features that are similar to the features of breastcup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals. Breast cup4400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 4600 and a holder 700.Flexible insert 4600 has features similar to insert 600 of the preferredembodiment except that an alternative massaging member 4634 is used.Massaging member 4634 is four projections formed along second end 4635of insert 4600. Preferably, the four projections that form massagingmember 4634 are equally spaced apart and diametrically opposed.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative embodiment of the breastcup of the present invention is shown and generally represented byreference numeral 5400, with features that are similar to the featuresof breast cup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals.Breast cup 5400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 5600 and a holder700 (not shown). Flexible insert 5600 has features similar to insert 600of the preferred embodiment except that an alternative massaging member5634 is used. Massaging member 5634 is four projections having atear-drop shape and formed along first end 5630 and second end 5635 ofinsert 5600. Preferably, the four projections that form massaging member5634 are equally spaced apart and diametrically opposed. As shown inFIG. 16, an inner volume 5639 of massaging member 5634 is in fluidcommunication with air orifice 560 so that the massaging membersdirectly expand and contract.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, an alternative embodiment of the breastcup of the present invention is shown and generally represented byreference numeral 6400, with features that are similar to the featuresof breast cup 400 being represented by the same reference numerals.Breast cup 6400 has a housing 500, a flexible insert 6600 and a holder700 (not shown). Flexible insert 6600 has features similar to insert 600of the preferred embodiment except that an alternative massaging member6634 and bladders 6685 are used. Massaging member 6634 is sixprojections having a generally semi-spherical or elliptical shape, andformed along inner surface 6631 of first end 6630 of insert 6600.Preferably, the six projections that form massaging member 6634 areequally spaced apart and diametrically opposed. As shown in FIG. 18, abladder volume 6687 of bladders 6685 is in fluid communication with airorifice 560 so that the bladders expand and contract to create apositive and negative pressure on the user's breast.

The present invention includes a number of components and is usable witha manual or motorized breast pump. The various components can bedisposed within a bag system for ease of use. An example of such a bagsystem, as well as the components of such a system, is disclosed in theco-pending and commonly owned U.S. Application entitled “Bag System”which has been filed evenly herewith, and the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The present invention having been thus described with particularreference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious thatvarious changes and modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in theappended claims.

1. A breast cup for the expression of breast milk from a breast havingan areola region, using pressure, the breast cup comprising: a housinghaving an air orifice; a flexible insert defining a liquid volume forreceiving a portion of the breast and being sealingly secured to saidhousing to form an air volume therebetween; and a barrier member whichis rigid, wherein said air orifice is in fluid communication with saidair volume and in fluid isolation with said liquid volume, said airvolume and said liquid volume are in fluid isolation, and said airvolume expands or contracts in response to said pressure and whereinsaid barrier member is substantially adjacent to a portion of said airvolume thereby preventing the breast from contacting said flexibleinsert along said portion of said air volume.
 2. The breast cup of claim1, further comprising a holder being securable to said housing, whereinsaid housing, said flexible insert and said holder are securable to eachother at a plurality of orientations.
 3. The breast cup of claim 2,wherein said holder is secured to said housing by a snap fit connection.4. The breast cup of claim 2, further comprising first and secondcontainers, wherein said first container has a first diameter and saidsecond container has a second diameter, wherein said holder has a firstsecuring structure and a second securing structure, and wherein saidfirst securing structure is removably securable to said first containerand said second securing structure is removably securable to said secondcontainer.
 5. The breast cup of claim 4, wherein said first securingstructure is a first threaded surface having a first inner diameter andsaid second securing structure is a second threaded surface having asecond inner diameter.
 6. The breast cup of claim 5, wherein said firstthreaded surface and said second threaded surface are concentricallydisposed on said holder.
 7. The breast cup of claim 2, furthercomprising a one-way valve, wherein said holder has a channel that is influid communication with said liquid volume, and said one-way valve isoperably connected to said channel.
 8. The breast cup of claim 1,wherein said flexible insert comprises a bladder and said air volume isdisposed at least partially in said bladder, wherein said bladderexpands or contracts in response to said pressure.
 9. The breast cup ofclaim 8, wherein said barrier member is disposed substantially adjacentto said bladder, said barrier member preventing said breast fromcontacting at least a portion of said bladder.
 10. The breast cup ofclaim 9, wherein said barrier member has a cylindrical shape and isdisposed in said liquid volume.
 11. The breast cup of claim 10, furthercomprising a holder being securable to said housing, wherein saidbarrier member is directly connected to said holder and substantiallyconcentrically aligned with said liquid volume.
 12. The breast cup ofclaim 1, wherein said flexible insert has a funnel shape with a firstportion that at least partially defines said air volume, said firstportion has a massaging projection formed therein, and said massagingprojection is disposed along said first portion to be in proximity tothe areola region of the breast.
 13. The breast cup of claim 12, whereinsaid massaging projection comprises a continuous ridge having astar-like shape.
 14. The breast cup of claim 12, wherein the pressure isa positive pressure and a negative pressure, wherein said flexibleinsert further comprises a substantially cylindrical second portionhaving a circumferential wall and a plurality of spacers formed in saidcircumferential wall, said circumferential wall being separated fromsaid housing by said plurality of spacers, and said circumferential walland said plurality of spacers at least partially defining said airvolume, wherein said circumferential wall is moved in proximity to saidhousing by said negative pressure and said circumferential wall is movedremote from said housing by said positive pressure.
 15. The breast cupof claim 14, wherein said plurality of spacers are a plurality of pleatsformed in said circumferential wall.
 16. The breast cup of claim 1,wherein said housing has an outer end and an inner end, said flexibleinsert has an outer portion with a first end and an inner portion with afourth end, said first end being removably secured to said outer end bya first securing structure, and said fourth end being removably securedto said inner end by a second securing structure.
 17. The breast cup ofclaim 16, wherein said first securing structure and said second securingstructure are tongue and groove securing structures.
 18. The breast cupof claim 1, wherein the pressure is a positive pressure and a negativepressure, and wherein said air volume expands in response to saidpositive pressure and contracts in response to said negative pressure.19. A breast cup for the expression of breast milk from a breast havingan areola region, using pressure, the breast cup comprising: a housinghaving an air orifice; a flexible insert comprising a bladder and havinga plurality of spacers and defining a liquid volume, wherein saidbladder is defined in part by one or more of said plurality of spacers,said flexible insert being sealingly secured to and received in saidhousing to form an air volume therebetween, and wherein said air volumeis disposed at least partially in said bladder, and wherein said bladdermoves in response to said pressure; a barrier member disposedsubstantially adjacent to said bladder, said barrier member preventingsaid breast from contacting at least a portion of said bladder; a holderhaving a one-way valve, said holder being secured to said housing; and acontainer being secured to said holder, wherein said air orifice is influid communication with said air volume and in fluid isolation withsaid liquid volume, said air volume and said liquid volume are in fluidisolation, and said pressure is applied to said air volume causing saidflexible insert to move with respect to said housing, wherein saidliquid volume is in fluid communication with said container, and whereineach of said plurality of spacers extends toward said housing andsubstantially traverses said air volume along a length of said housing.20. The breast cup of claim 19, wherein said housing, said flexibleinsert and said holder are securable to each other at a plurality oforientations.
 21. The breast cup of claim 19, wherein said holder issecured to said housing by a snap fit connection.
 22. The breast cup ofclaim 19, wherein said holder has a channel that is in fluidcommunication with said liquid volume and said container, and saidone-way valve is operably connected to said channel.
 23. The breast cupof claim 19 wherein said barrier member has a cylindrical shape and isdisposed in said liquid volume.
 24. The breast cup of claim 23, whereinsaid barrier member is secured to said holder and substantiallyconcentrically aligned with said liquid volume.
 25. The breast cup ofclaim 19, wherein said flexible insert has a funnel shape with a firstportion that at least partially defines said air volume, said firstportion has a massaging projection formed therein, and said massagingprojection is disposed along said first portion to be in proximity tosaid areola region of said breast.
 26. The breast cup of claim 25,wherein said massaging projection is a continuous ridge having awave-like shape.
 27. The breast cup of claim 26, wherein said flexibleinsert comprises first and second portions, said first portion beingupstream from said second portion, and wherein said plurality of spacersare disposed in said second portion.
 28. The breast cup of claim 27,wherein said plurality of spacers are a plurality of pleats formed in acircumferential wall of said flexible insert.
 29. The breast cup ofclaim 19, wherein said housing has an outer end and an inner end, saidinsert has an outer portion with a first end and an inner portion with afourth end, said first end being removably secured to said outer end bya first securing structure, and said fourth end being removably securedto said inner end by a second securing structure.
 30. The breast cup ofclaim 29, wherein said first securing structure and said second securingstructure are tongue and groove securing structures.
 31. A breast cupfor the expression of breast milk from a breast having an areola region,using pressure, the breast cup comprising: a housing having an airorifice; a flexible insert comprising a bladder and defining a liquidvolume comprising a circumferential wall and a plurality of spacers,said flexible insert being sealingly secured to and received in saidhousing to form an air volume therebetween and wherein each of saidplurality of spacers extends radially into the air volume to separatesaid housing from the circumferential wall; a barrier member disposedsubstantially adjacent to said bladder, said barrier member preventingsaid breast from contacting at least a portion of said bladder; a holderhaving a one-way valve, said holder being secured to said housing; and acontainer being secured to said holder for collecting expressed breastmilk, wherein said air orifice is in fluid communication with said airvolume and in fluid isolation with said liquid volume, said air volumeand said liquid volume are in fluid isolation, and said pressure isapplied to said air volume causing said flexible insert to move withrespect to said housing, wherein said liquid volume is in fluidcommunication with said container, wherein said container is a firstcontainer having a first diameter and a second container having a seconddiameter, wherein said holder has a first securing structure and asecond securing structure, and wherein said first securing structure isremovably securable to said first container and said second securingstructure is removably securable to said second container.
 32. Thebreast cup of claim 31, wherein said first securing structure is a firstthreaded surface having a first inner diameter and said second securingstructure is a second threaded surface having a second inner diameter.33. The breast cup of claim 32, wherein said first threaded surface andsaid second threaded are concentrically disposed on said holder.
 34. Abreast hood for expression of breast milk from a breast having an areolaregion, in response to a pressure from a pressure source, the breasthood comprising: a rigid structure having a funnel shape; a flexiblestructure being sealingly secured to and received in said rigidstructure, said flexible structure receiving a portion of the breast; adisplacement volume disposed between said rigid structure and saidflexible structure; a liquid volume defined along a longitudinal axis ofsaid flexible structure, said liquid volume being in fluid isolationfrom said pressure source; a channel in fluid communication with saidpressure source and said displacement volume; and a barrier member whichis more rigid than said flexible structure, wherein said pressure sourcechanges the pressure in said displacement volume, and wherein saidbarrier member has at least a portion thereof that is disposed in saidliquid volume thereby preventing the breast from contacting at least aportion of said flexible structure.
 35. The breast hood of claim 34,wherein said flexible structure comprises a bladder and saiddisplacement volume is disposed at least partially in said bladder,wherein said bladder moves in response to a change in pressure in saiddisplacement volume.
 36. The breast hood of claim 35, wherein saidbarrier member is disposed substantially adjacent to said bladder, saidbarrier member preventing said breast from contacting at least a portionof said bladder.
 37. The breast hood of claim 36, wherein said barriermember has a cylindrical shape and is disposed in said liquid volume.38. The breast hood of claim 34, wherein said flexible structure has afirst portion with a funnel shape that at least partially defines saiddisplacement volume, said first portion having a massaging projectionformed therein, and said massaging projection being disposed along saidfirst portion to be in proximity to the areola region of the breast. 39.The breast hood of claim 38, wherein said massaging projection has astar-like shape.
 40. The breast hood of claim 38, wherein said flexiblestructure further comprises a second portion having a circumferentialwall and a plurality of spacers formed in said circumferential wall,said circumferential wall being separated from said rigid structure bysaid plurality of spacers, and said circumferential wall and saidplurality of spacers at least partially defining said displacementvolume, wherein said circumferential wall is moved in relation to saidrigid structure by said change in pressure in said displacement volume.41. The breast hood of claim 40, wherein said plurality of spacers are aplurality of pleats formed in said circumferential wall.
 42. The breasthood of claim 34, wherein said housing has an outer end and an innerend, said insert has an outer portion with a first end and an innerportion with a fourth end, said first end being removably secured tosaid outer end by a first securing structure, and said fourth end beingremovably secured to said inner end by a second securing structure. 43.The breast hood of claim 42, wherein said first securing structure andsaid second securing structure are tongue and groove securingstructures.